"The Spark" - from GMCBeats aThe Kabin Studio, YouTube
The next generation of Irish rappers went viral earlier this year with their song and accompanying music video "The Spark".
Created by young rappers through the Kabin Studio, a not-for-profit youth and community-based studio in Cork's Northside, "The Spark" was used to promote the launch of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, Ireland's national day of celebrating youth creativity.
On May 16, RTÉ featured a clip of "The Spark" in its post on X announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, which was held on June 15 this year.
RTÉ's post on X has racked up more than 9 million views and 26k likes. After much demand from the public, the song was eventually released on streaming services.
Credit for the song is given to producer Garry McCarthy (aka GMCBeats), The Kabin Studio, the Rhyme Island initiative, as well as the video's filmmaker Seán Downey.
✨🎵 “I searched for my spark and I found it” ✨🎵
Cruinniú na nÓg, Europe’s only national free day of creativity for young people is back, with over 1,000 free activities, taking place on Saturday, June 15. 🎉#CruinniuNaNog - an initiative of @creativeirl, supported by @rte pic.twitter.com/jTejJdfeIF
— RTÉ (@rte) May 16, 2024
"The Spark" was produced as part of Rhyme Island, a youth rap initiative powered by GMCBeats and the Kabin Studio in collaboration with the Creative Ireland Programme and Cruinniú na nÓg 2024.
The official launch of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 was marked by an energetic performance of "The Spark" led by GMC Beats ambassadors MC Tiny, 15, and Lil’ Sophia, 11 with support from the young rappers of the Southside Traveller’s Action Group.
McCarthy said he's proud of everyone involved in the project, adding that he's "never bored" when he gets to work with "lil legends like these."
I can safely say, I'm never bored when I get to work on projects with lol legends like these! Proud of everyone involved 💚 https://t.co/zT7TsTkr8N
— Garraí Mac / GMCBeats (@GMCBeats) May 17, 2024